Seattle Christian Counseling Logo

  • ServicesRead about the expertise available
    • Individual ServicesAddress your personal concerns confidentially
      • ADHD
      • Abandonment and Neglect
      • Aging and Geriatric Issues
      • Anger Management
      • Anxiety
      • Autism Spectrum Disorder
      • Bipolar Disorder
      • Chemical Dependency
      • Coaching
      • Counseling for Children
      • Counseling for Teens
      • Codependency
      • Depression
      • Eating Disorders
      • EMDR
      • Grief and Loss
      • Individual Counseling
      • Infidelity and Affairs
      • Lifespan Integration Therapy
      • Men’s Issues
      • OCD
      • Personal Development
      • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
      • Professional Development
      • Psychological Testing
      • Relationship Issues
      • Sex And Porn Addiction
      • Sexual Abuse
      • Spiritual Development
      • Trauma
      • Weight Loss
      • Women’s Issues
    • Christian Couples CounselingWork through challenges together
      • Couples Counseling
      • Premarital Counseling
      • Marriage Counseling
      • Marriage Intensive
    • Family CounselingEstablish the peaceful home you desire
      • Couples Counseling
      • Counseling for Teens
      • Counseling for Children
      • Family Counseling
    • Group CounselingBenefit from the support of others
      • Men’s Sexual Addiction Recovery
        Group – Chris Chandler
      • Anxiety and Depression Counseling
        Group for Teens and Adolescents
      • All Counseling Groups
    • Online Counseling
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Marriage Counseling
    • Sexual Addiction
  • LocationsChoose from our variety of office locations
    • AnacortesAnacortes
    • Bellevue
    •  1Bothell
    • Edmonds
    •  1Everett
    •  1Federal Way
    • kentKent
    • Kirkland Christian CounselingKirkland
    • Lacey Christian CounselingLacey
    •  1Mill Creek
    • The Rhythm Reset: How to Navigate Boundaries and Stress 1Monroe
    • Oak Harbor Office OutsideOak Harbor
    • Poulsbo
    •  1Puyallup
    •  1Redmond
    •  1Seattle Ballard
    •  1Seattle Downtown
    • Seattle Greenlake
    • Silverdale Office FrontSilverdale
    •  1Spokane
    • Spokane ValleySpokane Valley
    •  1Tacoma
    • Vancouver
    •  1Online Counseling
  • CounselorsFind the best counselor for your needs
  • CareersBecome an affiliated Christian counselor
  • (206) 388-3929Please give us a call, we are here to help
header-image

Practicing Holistic Self-Care: Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual

Seattle Christian Counseling
https://seattlechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/practicing-holistic-self-care-physical-emotional-and-spiritual.jpg 3000 2000
https://seattlechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/seattle-greenlake-6-scaled.jpg
https://seattlechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cropped-cropped-seattle-logo.png
6827 Oswego Place NE, Suite B
SEATTLE, WA 98115
United States
6827 Oswego Place NE, Suite B
SEATTLE, WA 98115
United States
Photo of Missy Neill

Missy Neill

Mar
2019
07

Practicing Holistic Self-Care: Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual

Missy Neill

Individual CounselingPersonal DevelopmentSpiritual Development
Practicing Holistic Self-Care: Physical, Emotional, and SpiritualYou may have heard the term self-care over these last couple of years as the concept is making its way into mainstream society more and more. Whether or not you are affected by a disorder such as anxiety and depression, self-care is a vital component to maintaining your mental and emotional health.

Most people think of self-care as brushing their teeth, showering, etc. and yes, those things are important, but self-care goes beyond your basic hygiene habits. It includes activities, hobbies, and habits that help you destress and maintain good emotional and mental health. Sometimes known as “work-life balance.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that more than 50% of the population will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lives. Even if you’re never diagnosed with an illness, stress can still affect you. The consequences of low or no self-care can be severe at times.

Like us if you are enjoying this content.

Practicing Holistic Self-Care: Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual 1I’ve heard the stories many times – clients being referred to me when they’ve visited the ER thinking they were having a heart attack when really they were having a panic attack. Those are some of the more extreme cases but people can still be affected in their day-to-day life.

Lack of self-care can manifest in many different physical ways. Symptoms can include headaches, heart palpitations, over-eating, under-eating, upset stomach, forgetfulness, and brain fog to name a few. Plus, disorders like anxiety and panic can manifest from a lack of self-care.

It’s always good to see your primary physician to rule out any medical problems but if your doctor gives you a clean bill of health, then your symptoms may be due to poor emotional health due to stress, anxiety, or depression.

There are numerous activities or skills that fall under the umbrella of self-care but I like to break it down into three categories for my clients – mental, physical, and spiritual. The easier I can make it for people then the more likely they are to follow through and see quicker, positive results.

Practicing Holistic Self-Care: Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual 2Mental self-care can be anything that helps you clear your head and de-stress. It’s important to address any emotional pain or issues and seek out counseling if needed. Your mind and body are connected and must both be taken care of for overall wellness.

Without addressing the underlying causes of emotional pain, you may not reap the full benefits from your self-care. Things to do to decrease your mental stress can include breathing exercises, journaling, or affirmations to name a few but the list is endless. Also, building your self-esteem and self-worth through mental self-care will help you develop emotional resiliency.

Physical self-care can include walking, yoga, biking, swimming, running, and eating healthy. It doesn’t matter what activity you do just that you find something that you enjoy! Remember, you don’t have to become a body-builder and work out for hours at the gym every day! Finding an activity that you enjoy will ensure you will stick with it.

Practicing Holistic Self-Care: Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual 3Plus, your personal hygiene also falls under this category. Not only ensuring you maintain your daily hygiene habits but keeping up on doctor and dentist appointments plays a vital role in your overall health.

Poor physical health can cause a number of health problems including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. If you suffer from medical problems due to poor physical health, your emotional and mental health will suffer as well.

Spiritual self-care includes your faith practices such as prayer, church, bible study, or any time with God. 1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds us, “do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?”

Practicing good spiritual self-care helps recalibrate our soul and reminds us to put God at the center of our lives. Get connected with a Bible study that not only helps with spiritual self-care but it connects you with a community of people and allows you to get social support that will help us mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Steps you can take to make self-care part of your daily life

It is easy to dismiss the notion of self-care due to lack of time, family commitments, and work demands but those are the exact reason that self-care needs to be part of your daily life.

Most people have flown in an airplane at some point in their lives and during the safety announcements, you will hear a flight attendant tell you to put your own oxygen mask on before assisting someone else with theirs. The reason being is that if you are not taking care of yourself, it will be difficult to care for others.

Practicing Holistic Self-Care: Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual 4

I tell clients to start small. Old habits are hard to break and trying to find the time to incorporate more self-care into your life will take some time and adjusting. Start with baby steps and give yourself the grace to make mistakes as you’re learning.

Pay attention to how you feel mentally and physically as you increase your self-care to help you understand how it’s benefiting you. Keeping a log of what you’ve changed and how you feel will be beneficial.

Overall, remember that you are making lifestyle changes and it will take time. Trial and error is part of the process and you need to find what works best for you. Most of all remember you are worth it!

“For I know the plans for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Photos
“Nourishment,” courtesy of Nathan Dumlao, unsplash.com, CC0 License; “Self Care,” courtesy of Ben White, unsplash.com, CC0 License

DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please contact one of our counselors for further information.

  • Share on Facebook
  • Tweet it
  • ↑ Back to top
Photo of Missy Neill
Missy is currently not accepting new clients

Missy Neill

Licensed Counselor
(206) 607-9699 missyn@tacomachristiancounseling.com

I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, passionate about helping individuals and couples find healing and peace for their lives and relationships. If you struggle with issues like anxiety and depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, or sexual addiction, I’m here to offer you compassionate support and tools for recovery. I look forward to working with you. Read more articles by Missy »

Other articles that might interest you...

How to Overcome Spiritual Dryness: Spiritual Renewal in the Wilderness 2
Photo of Amanda Rowett

Amanda Rowett

How to Overcome Spiritual Dryness: ...

Part 1 of a 3 Part Spiritual Dryness Series Life can resemble a wilderness where we feel lost, discouraged, and...

continue reading »
Stages of Spiritual Awakening: Finding Your True Self
Seattle Christian Counseling

Stages of Spiritual Awakening: Finding ...

“To thine own self, be true,” is a popular admonition. In other words: Don’t try to be someone else. Be...

continue reading »
Advancing in Perseverance: A Christian Counselor on Spiritual Warfare 3
Photo of Andrew Engstrom

Andrew Engstrom

Advancing in Perseverance: A Christian ...

In my previous articles, I described what spiritual warfare is and gave examples of how to recognize it and defend...

continue reading »

About Missy

Photo of Missy Neill

Missy Neill, M.Ed, LMHC, CSAT

Licensed Counselor

I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, passionate about helping individuals and couples find healing and peace for their lives and relationships. If you struggle with issues like anxiety and depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, or sexual addiction, I’m here to offer you compassionate support and tools for recovery. I look forward to working with you. View Missy's Profile

Recent articles by Missy

  • May 29 · Finding Help for Depression
  • Mar 8 · Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety in Adults
  • Jan 17 · How To Listen Well In Difficult Conversations
See all articles by Missy »

Related Services

  • Individual Counseling
  • Personal Development
  • Spiritual Development

Missy's Office Locations

  • Photo of the Kent office

    Kent

    Washington

    General Office Number

    (253) 656-5454
    24909 104th Ave SE,, Suite 101-A Kent, WA 98030

    View Office Details
  • Photo of the Federal Way office

    Federal Way

    Washington

    General Office Number

    (206) 452-6728
    33710 9th Ave S,, Suite 15 Federal Way, WA 98003

    View Office Details
Seattle Christian Counseling Logo
Seattle Christian Counseling
Professional help with faith-based values
Welcome to Seattle Christian Counseling. We are an association of professional, independently licensed Christian counselors with more than 20 office locations throughout Washington state for your convenience, including the Seattle neighborhoods of Greenlake, Ballard, and Downtown Lower Queen Anne. We look forward to meeting you soon.
© 2023 Seattle Christian Counseling. All rights reserved.
6827 Oswego Place NE, Suite B, Seattle, WA 98115. Tel (206) 388-3929.
Facebook Twitter Online Counseling About Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Feel free to contact us!
We are open for business. In person and online counseling are available now.